In fact, the engaged duo made their first red carpet appearance last night as a couple. And speaking to UsWeekly, the two insist their love is still as strong as ever.

While Ben, 29, has been dogged by cheating reports and photos in the last few weeks, he tells UsWeekly he and Courtney, 28, are finally settling into normal life. “It’s getting close,” said Ben. “Now that the show’s over and the star’s fading . . . [it’s] wonderful for us.” Courtney adds, “We’re getting there.”

The big question on everyone’s mind, of course, is if they are still planning to tie the knot. “No date set,” admitted Courtney. “We’re engaged, dating, taking it slow. We love each other very much. It took the pressure off. “

Ben adds: “We kind of looked back at some of the other Bachelor relationships that didn’t work out and the reason for that is you have so much pressure to move in together and set a date and all this kind of stuff . . . Let’s figure out who we are together before we do any of that and take the pressure off.” Makes sense!

If the couple does ever make it down the aisle, they plan to have their wedding in “Arizona or California somewhere,” according to Ben. By the way – no Bachelor in the history of the ABC series has ever wed the woman they picked.

Moving on to BacheloretteEmily Maynard, 25, who is currently filming her upcoming season in her home state of North Carolina, as well as other exotic locations. ABC has now released Emily’s first official photo as the Bachelorette! That pic is below. Her season is expected to air during late Spring.

[Photo Credit: Daniel Tanner/ WENN.com]

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON BEN & COURTNEY’S INTERVIEW? DO YOU EVER SEE THEM MAKING IT DOWN THE AISLE?